The Ordinary reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Effective acne-clearing serums
  • Noticeably brighter, smoother skin
  • Minimalist, clinical formulations
  • Clear, straightforward labeling
  • Sticky serum textures
  • Potential irritation from actives
  • Hit-or-miss product efficacy
  • Confusing product naming

The Ordinary earns strong reviews for effective, ingredient-forward skincare that improves texture, hydration, acne, and glow—with standouts like Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, and the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Reviews also flag weaknesses: some formulas feel sticky, can pill or irritate sensitive skin, high actives may overwhelm newbies, results can be hit-or-miss, and product naming/usage can be confusing.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

2,516 reviews and posts

  • This be and is good as long as you know what to use it for. Like the aha + bha mask probably best to not use on your face.

    Feedback

    Some products like the 100% niacinamide powder is not really necessary

  • I’ve tried a few different products from The Ordinary. They honestly work just as good as any more expensive skincare brands I’ve tried. Love the effectiveness at such an affordable price.

  • I’ve tried several different products (6 or so in all) and all have been effective at their task and delivered results for a low price. In particular I really love their retinol and their aha/bha peel. I really like hat the ingredient lists are short and the active concentrations high. Sometimes a product hasn’t worked for me (some pilled with my skincare) but overall it’s a solid brand.

    Feedback

    Do your research with this brand. They offer several versions of vit c or retinol to cater to different skin types (for dry skin or oily skin) so do your research on their site to determine which will work best for your skin type

  • Have really enjoyed every product I’ve bought from The Ordinary. Absolutely love the quality for the price. They are the leader in affordable skincare.

  • I initially bought it because it offered nice skincare ingredients at a great value. Little did I expect it to become the only skincare I use. The salycilic acid helps me mantain my skin clear and retinol helps with texture from previous acne. The AHA BHA peel is the only mask I use.

    Feedback

    Everything is so well executed and simple. Love it.

  • Rosehip oil is 100/10! Price point is just so good and it's so easy to get your hands on these products so it's really just effortless. Clean and 100% hand-pressed products, can't go wrong!

  • My skin doesnt do well with american skin brands, but out of all of them, this is the best! These can easily "hold me over" until I get my next fix of The Face Shop

    Feedback

    More natural and unique ingredients, please! Too basic!

    Influencer for The Ordinary
  • I have used several of their products. They are priced well and have a great assortment of skincare products.

    Feedback

    Love everything about it.

  • I enjoy The Ordinary very much. I love the fact that it is a clean brand but still extremely affordable.

    Feedback

    I believe that it shopping in stores that carry The Ordinary, it is difficult to tell what products are specifically used for.

  • Been a fan of ordinary for several years; and have always had good results. While it may be confusing to find the right “formula” - the website is super helpful and innovative and just guides

    Feedback

    Continue to expand your portfolio

  • I mostly love all of the products from them except the glucose foaming cleanser, that one broke me out terribly. I love their serums especially niacinamide one. The caffeine eye serum has helped my fine lines

  • The Ordinary is a great brand for those just getting into a skincare routine (esp for Men). Their website is very helpful in assisting what goes well and their description is very detailed. I got my daily skincare routine thanks to their site! Their pricing is also VERY affordable.

    Feedback

    Go to their website and it will help you appreciate and understand what is required for a daily skincare routine!

  • I have their "buffet" serum and the lactic acid. I have loved both, although I haven't seen a ton of difference, it is still very early in my use. I have used the peel before and it was too harsh for my skin. I love how affordable it is.

    Feedback

    Great affordable brand if you do your research on what your skin needs.

  • great products at a reasonable price! love the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide serums.

    Feedback

    products could benefit from more cautionary information because certain products are too harsh for most skin types and cause harm to users

  • Bought their hyaluronic acid B5 serum from Sephora on the recommendation of a friend. I didn't love it because the product was sticky after I put it on. However, the price point is really nice.

    Feedback

    If the serum were less sticky I would have loved it. The price point is great and it makes your skin look nice, but I couldn't get over the stickiness.

  • I am obsessed. I don't know how they create such affordable and effective skincare, but I recommend their products to everyone. I especially love their Caffeine Eye Solution; I use it every morning.

  • Their peeling solution still has me on a chokehold. The way I can just use this and it makes my skin radiant is like MAGIC. I recommend starting slow, like leave on for 5 min to get used to the slight tingly sensation. Then work up to 20 minutes for best results. I use a ton of the ordinary products now and their quality and price are unbeatable.

    Feedback

    amazing brand and pricing, i love that I don't have to WAIT for a discount bc the products are so affordable

  • I wanted to live this brand because of all the hype, but unfortunately the hyluronic acid and niacinimide serums made me break out which rarely ever happens to me.

    Feedback

    I was very disappointed with the products I tried.

    Friends with The Ordinary